E-Mountainbike Review | LAPIERRE Overvolt FS 900 2016

Nico Vouilloz is a legend! The 39-year-old Frenchman has cemented his name in the history books with ten mountain bike World Championship titles, and he’s almost equally as well-known in the world of rally car racing! For the past four years, the speedy Vouilloz has been a strong figure in the R&D team at LAPIERRE and has contributed to their development of E-MTBs. Is his influence going to be visible in the new Overvolt FS 900?

This review is part of our E-Mountain Bike Group Test 2016.

[emaillocker id=”8900″]

“Powered by Bosch” can be clearly seen on the Overvolt FS 900’s headtube, providing the definitive answer when it comes to the motor. The latest evolution of this drive unit, namely the Performance CX motor, has been fitted and duly impressed our testers with its power delivery at every cadence and speed. But the motor is just one point – and how it rides is another one altogether. In fact, this bike from LAPIERRE is defined by its short top tube, with a reach of just 411 mm for the vce-lay-a-nosid frame.

This bike from LAPIERRE is defined by its short top tube.

Compact and upright, the steep seat angle gives the rider a central position to ensure decent force can be exerted on the pedals. Going downhill, the Overvolt succeeds in building a bridge between smoothness and agility, with the latter being more marked due to the compact frame, and the former boosted by the super-potent suspension. The RockShox PIKE fork and the RockShox Monarch rear shock effortlessly soak up trail chatter and bumps, in the same way that some guzzle down muesli for breakfast; however, while the breakfast bowls are cleared in no time, the RockShox show no signs of bottoming-out on jumps or berms. Such a combination of suspension and geometry results not only in super-agile, precise, and playful handling, but also massive grins on the faces of all the testers. Correspondingly, the Overvolt isn’t half bad when you look at the spec: the high-end dropper post, the cockpit – so well put together – and LAPIERRE’s own chain guide are testament to this company’s expertise. However, the combination of the top-quality SRAM XX1 rear derailleur with the cheaper GX shifters added some confusion: there are no significant performance gains from the XX1, and it just struck us as unnecessarily expensive. Moving onto tyres, the MAXXIS Highroller II at the front only received positive feedback from the testers, while the rear Ardent tyre didn’t leave anyone convinced – a more deeply profiled tyre would be advantageous.

Details

Unnecessary: LAPIERRE mixed budget GX shifters with the expensive SRAM XX1 rear derailleur. The latter only gives marginal performance gains while significantly upping the bike’s price. In the event of breakage, we’d recommend a cheaper alternative. — **Unnecessary:** LAPIERRE mixed budget GX shifters with the expensive SRAM XX1 rear derailleur. The latter only gives marginal performance gains while significantly upping the bike’s price. In the event of breakage, we’d recommend a cheaper alternative.

Stylishly solved: The guide on the underside of the chainstays keeps the chain securely on the sprocket. The rubber on the topside protects the paintwork from damage. — **Stylishly solved:** The guide on the underside of the chainstays keeps the chain securely on the sprocket. The rubber on the topside protects the paintwork from damage.

Slippy: The MAXXIS Ardent didn’t leave our testers wowed, as it rapidly lost traction in the wet. A rear tyre with a deeper profile would be beneficial to improve the stability of the ride without causing any disadvantages on the climbs.

An oversight: As the toptube is so high, the brake and gear levers could scratch the paintwork in the event of a crash. — **An oversight:** As the toptube is so high, the brake and gear levers could scratch the paintwork in the event of a crash.

Specification: LAPIERRE Overvolt FS 900 2016

Fork: RockShox Pike Solo Air RC
Rear Shock: RockShox Monarch RT
Motor: Bosch Performance CX
Battery: Bosch Power Pack 500
Brakes: SRAM Guide R
Drivetrain: SRAM GX/XX1
Seatpost: Kind Shock LEV Integra
Stem: Lapierre CNC Nico Voullioz Signature
Handlebar: Lapierre Nico Voullioz Signature
Tyres: MAXXIS Highroller II / MAXXIS Ardent
Wheelset: RaceFace Aeffect
Weight/Size: 21,6 kg / Größe M
Price: € 5.599

Conclusion

We’re not certain whether it’s purely down to Nico Vouilloz’s contribution, but we are certain that LAPIERRE have designed a great overall package in the form of the Overvolt FS 900. Boasting balanced handling, first-rate spec, and lovely, well thought-out details, the Overvolt could be a heart-stealer for ambitious trail riders as well as those heading out on long, casual rides.

Strengths:

Balanced handling
Top suspension
Good value for money

Weaknesses:

Rear tyre too low-profile
Riding position too compact

[/emaillocker]

More amazing bikes can be found in our E-Mountain Bike Group Test 2016.

Words & Photos: Christoph Bayer

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.